De Bethune DB28 Collection: Owners & Insights

m2 · 2025-09-13T02:48:14Z

Explore the De Bethune DB28: a collector's review of its wearability, unique articulating lugs, and exceptional finishing. Insights from WatchProSite members on this independent haute horlogerie masterpiece.

WPS member · Independents forum

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Forum member m2 recently shared their firsthand experience with the De Bethune DB28, highlighting its surprising wearability and exceptional finishing after a visit to Watchbox NYC. This initial impression sparked a vibrant discussion among collectors, delving into the brand's unique design philosophy, technical prowess, and the impact of its founders. The conversation offers valuable insights into what makes De Bethune a standout in independent haute horlogerie.

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Any thoughts on De Bethune in general or the DB28 specifically? I visited Watchbox in NYC today with a friend who I met through this site, and was really surprised by how wearable it was due to the lugs.

It’s very thin, and I was pleasantly surprised by the quality of finishing too.

The yellow titanium version was amazing too.

Watch by AHCI and independent haute horlogerie, De Bethune, DB28

About the De Bethune DB28 Ref. DB28

De Bethune DB28 Reference DB28

The DB28 represents De Bethune's approach to contemporary haute horlogerie, featuring the brand's distinctive floating lug design within a 42.6mm case format. This reference showcases the manufacture's technical capabilities through its extended power reserve specification and proprietary movement caliber.

The 42.6mm titanium case houses the manual-winding caliber DB2115, delivering a 120-hour power reserve. The silver dial is protected by sapphire crystal, while the characteristic floating lugs define the case architecture. Water resistance extends to 30 meters, and the watch is completed with a leather strap.

This reference appeals to collectors focused on independent Swiss manufacture capabilities and contemporary case design. The DB28 represents De Bethune's technical approach to manual-winding movements, particularly notable for collectors interested in extended power reserve complications. Production commenced in 2010, positioning this reference within the brand's modern catalog offerings.

Specifications

Caliber: DB2115

Case: Titanium

Diameter: 42.6 mm

Dial: Silver

Water Resist.: 30m

Crystal: Sapphire

Key Points from the Discussion

De Bethune's in-house manufacturing and non-traditional finishing techniques are often underestimated, with their construction-intensive approach setting them apart. The articulating lugs, once experienced, redefine comfort and wearability.
The brand's creations are lauded for being interesting, beautiful, technically superb, and stylish. The influence of co-founder David Zanetta was profound, with his departure significantly impacting some collectors' connection to the brand.
Collectors express a strong preference for earlier De Bethune designs, indicating a particular aesthetic appeal that resonates deeply within the community.
De Bethune excels in colored titanium, and the combination of finishing, lightness, and overall design makes their watches special. While the unique lugs enhance wearability, the size of some models may be a consideration, making recent smaller offerings appealing.
The DB27 is noted as one of the most comfortable large watches due to its innovative lugs, making the DB28 an excellent option for those entering the De Bethune market.
The DB28, particularly in black and rose gold, is highly regarded for its wearability, with some collectors expressing a desire to reacquire it if circumstances allowed.

The Discussion

ArmisT

Sep 13, 2025

I own a couple pieces and regard the DB28 as their hallmark line.

As you’ve seen, they are masters of colored titanium, but the finishing, lightness, and overall design make for a special addition to a collection. While their unique lugs facilitate wearability, the size may be too big for some. So, their recent offerings of smaller sizes may be more to your liking.

ArmisT

Sep 17, 2025

Please see attached…

Sep 28, 2025

Awesome, thank you! How do you like the DB27?

ArmisT

Sep 28, 2025

Love it!

It is certainly very simple as a time only, but it still has its character and wrist presence💪🏽.

Marc Obermann

Sep 13, 2025

Not an owner, but love the DeBethune DB28.